IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is the fashion industry sustainable in its current m?
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712615494
Task 2 Writing Topic: "Is the fashion industry sustainable in its current form?"
Model Answer:
The fashion industry is a significant contributor to global economic growth, employing millions of people worldwide and generating billions of dollars in revenue annually. However, it has also been criticized for its unsustainable practices, which have led to environmental degradation, social exploitation, and economic instability. In this essay, we will examine the current state of sustainability within the fashion industry and explore whether or not it can be considered sustainable in its present form.
To begin with, one major concern regarding the fashion industry's sustainability is its environmental impact. The production process, from raw material extraction to clothing manufacture, requires significant energy consumption and generates vast amounts of waste. Moreover, synthetic fabrics like polyester are derived from non-renewable resources such as petroleum and contribute significantly to plastic pollution. Additionally, the disposable nature of fast fashion has led to an alarming increase in garment waste, with many items being discarded after only a few uses.
Furthermore, social issues plague the fashion industry as well. Exploitative labor practices have long been prevalent in the sector, with workers subjected to low wages, hazardous working conditions, and limited access to basic rights like collective bargaining. Moreover, the pressure to keep up with ever-changing trends has driven many brands to prioritize profit over ethical considerations, exacerbating these problems.
Despite these challenges, there are some positive developments within the fashion industry that signal a move towards sustainability. Many brands have begun implementing more environmentally friendly practices such as using recycled materials or reducing water consumption in their production processes. Additionally, there is an increasing emphasis on transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain, with several companies disclosing information about their labor practices and environmental impacts.
However, it remains unclear whether these efforts will be enough to make the fashion industry truly sustainable. While individual brands may adopt greener practices, the systemic nature of the problem requires systemic solutions. This necessitates a shift away from fast fashion and towards a more circular economy model, where resources are reused and recycled as much as possible. Moreover, broader stakeholder engagement is essential to address the social issues within the industry – this includes not only consumers but also governments, NGOs, and labor unions.
In conclusion, although some progress has been made in recent years, the fashion industry's current form cannot be considered sustainable due to its significant environmental impact and pervasive social exploitation. To achieve sustainability, a comprehensive approach is required that encompasses changes at every level of the supply chain. This includes adopting innovative materials, rethinking production processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and empowering consumers to make informed choices about the clothes they buy and wear.
Scoring:
- Task Response:
9 (The model answer provides a comprehensive response to the question by discussing environmental and social aspects of sustainability in the fashion industry.)
- Coherence and Cohesion:
8 (The model answer is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The different points are logically connected and flow smoothly.)
- Lexical Resource:
9 (The model answer uses a wide range of vocabulary to convey complex ideas and provide nuanced explanations.)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy:
8 (There are only minor grammatical errors in the model answer, and the overall grammar is mostly accurate and advanced.)
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